2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,968 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 544 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5968 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 44 L |
